Hermelinda

León Gieco's song 'Hermelinda' is a poignant ballad that delves deep into the themes of love, longing, and heartache. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea from the singer to his beloved Hermelinda, expressing the profound sorrow and emptiness he feels in her absence. The song opens with the singer addressing Hermelinda directly, describing how his songs, born from his lyre, are filled with desolation due to her absence. This sets the tone for the entire piece, highlighting the emotional turmoil and the sense of loss that pervades his life without her.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the singer's despondency. He describes how the birds no longer sing their love songs, the morning dawns without its usual fragrance, and even the timid stream reflects Hermelinda's face in its crystal waters. These metaphors underscore the depth of his longing and the way her absence has cast a shadow over every aspect of his life. The repetition of the plea for Hermelinda to remember him serves as a refrain, emphasizing his desperation and the hope that she might alleviate his suffering by thinking of him.

In the latter part of the song, the singer vows to remain a faithful lover, even in his solitude and sorrow. He reminisces about the joyful moments they shared, now tinged with sadness as he recalls them alone. The imagery of his tears bathing her enchanting forehead and her eyes, likened to two bright stars fixed on him, further illustrates the intensity of his emotions. 'Hermelinda' is a beautiful yet melancholic ode to unrequited love and the enduring pain of separation, capturing the universal experience of longing for a lost love.